Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating blueberries)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for added flavor)
Ingredient Highlights for Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese gives this bread a rich, smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the blueberries.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is used to add richness and moisture to the bread. It helps in creating a tender crumb.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe, providing natural sweetness and a burst of flavor in each bite.
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the structure of the bread. It’s the essential base for a soft and fluffy texture.
- Baking Powder: This helps the bread rise, giving it a light, airy texture that contrasts nicely with the dense cream cheese.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the bread.
Instructions
Prepare the Bread Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer or hand mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Continue to beat until light and fluffy. This step will help incorporate air into the batter, making the bread light and soft.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk (or buttermilk) and stir gently until the batter is smooth and well-incorporated. The batter should be thick but spreadable.
Add Blueberries to the Batter
- Coat the Blueberries: In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread as it bakes.
- Fold in the Blueberries: Gently fold the flour-coated blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them. This will ensure that the blueberries are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
Bake the Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread
- Transfer to Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure it’s even.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour 10-15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and Serve
- Slice the Bread: Once the bread has cooled, slice it into 8-10 pieces. Serve and enjoy! You can store the leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g